Young Diaspora Jews Launch ‘Clean the Land’ Campaign in Israel

(Jerusalem, Israel)--On May 18, 2012, hundreds of young adults working, volunteering, and studying in Israel will take part in Clean the Land, a day devoted to picking up litter in communities throughout Israel, as well as educating about recycling, sustainability, and environmental protection. Launched by four young Diaspora Jews who are currently serving as Fellows in government ministries through Masa Israel’s Israel Government Fellows, the grassroots project seeks to encourage a more eco-friendly nation. Masa Israel, which runs 200 programs in Israel for 10,000 young adults, is a project of the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Government of Israel.

Clean the Land was born in an entrepreneurship workshop during Masa Israel’s Building Future Leadership (BFL), an intensive leadership week that brought together 400 young adults from around the world this March. During a brainstorming session at BFL led by PresenTense, the creators--Max Friedenberg, 23, University of Illinois graduate from Vernon Hills, IL, Sam Silverlieb, 26, Harvard University graduate from Montville, NJ; Joel Wanger, 24, Northeastern University graduate from Crofton, MD, and Daniel Barnett, 26, University of Sydney graduate from Johannesburg, South Africa--decided to model the initiative after the annual Clean Up Australia Day.

“All year, we’ve been upset that the trash in Israel destroys the country’s historic sites and natural beauty,” said Wanger. “Building Future Leadership provided us with the platform to get our idea off the ground, along with a network of other young Jewish leaders who are passionate about making a difference in Israel.”

As part of the initiative, Clean the Land secured garbage bags and gloves from the Israel Securities Authority, which will be distributed to the communities taking part in the effort. Barnett expressed that the initiative could never be possible without corporate and government participation and support.

“This initiative illustrates how young adults on Masa Israel experiences are able to truly immerse themselves in Israeli society,” said Masa Israel's North American Director, Avi Rubel. “With participants like these among the 10,000 who come to Israel each year, Masa Israel is proud to be building a much stronger Jewish community.”

For more information about Clean the Land, visit www.cleantheland.org or contact Rachel Sales, Masa Israel’s Director of Public Relations, at racheltr@masaisrael.org.

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Masa Israel Journey connects young adults, ages 18-30, to immersive five-12 month internship, volunteer, and academic programs in Israel. Masa Israel is a project of the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel and is made possible through the generous contributions of the Jewish Federations of North America and Keren Hayesod-UIA. Visit MasaIsrael.org for more information